Quick Answer
Yes, you can absolutely put raw chicken pieces in a slow cooker. This is a great way to cook chicken and have it come out moist and tender. The low, slow cooking of the slow cooker helps break down the chicken fibers and connective tissue, resulting in very tender meat.
How to Cook Raw Chicken in the Slow Cooker
Cooking raw chicken in the slow cooker is easy. Here are some tips:
- Use bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces like drumsticks, thighs, and breasts. The bones and skin will help keep the meat moist. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts can also work but may come out a bit drier.
- Don’t overload the slow cooker. Arrange the chicken pieces in a single layer, trying not to overcrowd them. Overcrowding can prevent the chicken from cooking evenly.
- Add flavorful liquid. Chicken releases moisture as it cooks, but adding some liquid like broth, salsa, barbecue sauce, or coconut milk will help keep things moist. Use about 1 cup of liquid per 1 pound of chicken.
- Season the chicken. Rub the chicken pieces with herbs, spices, salt, pepper, garlic, etc. before placing them in the slow cooker. Seasoning is important for flavor.
- Cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked to 165°F internal temperature.
Benefits of Cooking Chicken in the Slow Cooker
There are several advantages to using the slow cooker for chicken:
- Tender and moist chicken – The lengthy cook time allows the chicken to become very tender and retains moisture.
- More flavorful – Spices, herbs and sauces have time to permeate the chicken resulting in deeper flavor.
- Juicy – Liquid prevents the chicken from drying out.
- Convenient – Just throw the chicken in the cooker, turn it on, and dinner is ready later with little effort.
- Versatile – Many types of chicken recipes work well in the slow cooker from soups to bbq chicken.
Tips for Best Results
Follow these tips when cooking raw chicken in the slow cooker:
- If using skinless boneless chicken breasts, brown them first. Browning adds flavor and helps prevent mushiness.
- Cut chicken into smaller pieces if using for soup or stew. This allows the chicken to cook more quickly.
- Use cooking liquid with some acidity like tomatoes, wine, citrus juice, or vinegar. Acid helps break down tissue.
- Allow thinner pieces to cook longer and rearrange halfway through. This prevents smaller pieces from overcooking.
- Let the chicken rest 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows juices to redistribute.
Common Mistakes
It’s easy to end up with dry or unevenly cooked chicken if you make these mistakes:
- Not adding liquid – The liquid provides moisture and flavor.
- Overcrowding – Too much chicken prevents even cooking.
- Not seasoning – Chicken needs herbs and spices to boost flavor.
- Cooking too long – Chicken can turn dry or mushy if overcooked.
- Forgetting to brown – Browning adds deeper chicken flavor.
Recipes to Try
Here are some delicious slow cooker chicken recipes to try:
Chicken Tortilla Soup
- Chicken thighs
- Onion, garlic
- Chicken broth
- Fire roasted tomatoes
- Chiles
- Spices like cumin, oregano, chili powder
- Toppings: avocado, cilantro, tortilla strips
Honey Balsamic Chicken
- Boneless chicken thighs
- Honey
- Balsamic vinegar
- Garlic
- Chicken broth
- Fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme
Jamaican Jerk Chicken
- Chicken legs and thighs
- Jerk seasoning
- Onion, garlic, ginger
- Chicken broth
- Lime juice
- Caribbean spices and hot sauce
Conclusion
The slow cooker is a great way to cook moist, flavorful chicken. Raw chicken pieces can be cooked to tender perfection in the slow cooker as long as you follow some simple guidelines. Browning chicken first, using the right amount of liquid, and not overcrowding the cooker will result in delicious chicken that is juicy and cooked evenly. Take advantage of the convenience of the slow cooker for easy chicken dinners any night of the week.